It has been such a delight for me, watching the faces of people leaving the theater after seeing “Say Nicklaus.” We have such a capacity for joy, particularly during this special season. When a message strikes a chord deeply, and it resonates with the Spirit who indwells every Christian, that joy bubbles up and flows to everyone around us. It is such a privilege to be engaged in work that has such an effect. I get told over and over what a blessing the plays and music are. I receive so much encouragement from the wonderful people who attend our productions.
Recently I was having a conversation with a friend about the ministry that takes place at the theater. I am so amazed by what God is doing among the family of cast, crew, and volunteers, as well as those who attend, that I have a hard time not talking about it every chance I get. This particular man is one of the most committed, most authentic men of God I have ever known. I’ve worked closely with him in the church for years. I have a clear, unvarnished, and untarnished view of his great love of God, and his deep understanding of the Gospel of Jesus Christ.
His unfailing generosity and concern for the body strikes me time and time again. He possesses utter unselfishness and a heart-felt desire that everyone he might have the opportunity to influence would have the opportunity to experience the love and acceptance of Christ that he enjoys, through a deepening understanding of the Covenant written in the precious blood of Jesus.
And yet he said to me, “Sometimes I really wonder what my ministry here is.”
Knowing all this man does, I was moved by such genuine humility. He is a real as they come. Utterly incapable of pretentiousness. He gives himself wholly to the Lord and the body he serves in so many ways, but it is his heart that everyone sees. It is his Savior that everyone recognizes at work through him. He is a real man…and a real man of God.
There are so many men and women in churches and communities everywhere, who quietly, steadfastly serve their God and their bothers and sisters. And perhaps they too wonder what their ministry is. No one applauds. No one tells them what a blessing their work has been, nor how gifted and blessed they are, but in the Body of Christ, they are the bones, sinew, and muscle. They are the ones that hold us all together. This is the perfect time of year to tell them.
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